Low voltage laser diodes on {20-21} gallium and nitrogen containing substrates

ABSTRACT

A low voltage laser device having an active region configured for one or more selected wavelengths of light emissions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/363,756, filed Nov. 29, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/883,652, filed Sep. 16, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/883,093, filed Sep. 15, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,355,418, issued, Jan. 15, 2013, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/249,568, filed Oct. 7, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/243,502, filed Sep. 17, 2009, each commonly assigned, and each hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to optical devices and related methods. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device for emitting electromagnetic radiation using nonpolar or semipolar gallium containing substrates such as GaN, AlN, InN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN, and others. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and device using a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate configured on the {20-21} family of planes or an off-cut of the {20-21} family of planes towards the c-plane and/or towards the a-plane. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a low voltage laser device using a gallium and nitrogen bearing species. Merely by way of example, the invention can be applied to optical devices, lasers, light emitting diodes, solar cells, photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen generation, photodetectors, integrated circuits, and transistors, among other devices.

In the late 1800's, Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. The conventional light bulb, commonly called the “Edison bulb,” has been used for over one hundred years for a variety of applications including lighting and displays. The conventional light bulb uses a tungsten filament enclosed in a glass bulb sealed in a base, which is screwed into a socket. The socket is coupled to an AC power or DC power source. The conventional light bulb can be found commonly in houses, buildings, and outdoor lightings, and other areas requiring light or displays. Unfortunately, drawbacks exist with the conventional Edison light bulb. The conventional light bulb dissipates more than 90% of the electrical energy it receives as thermal energy. Further, because the conventional light bulb routinely fails due to thermal expansion and contraction of the filament element, reliability is an issue. In addition, light bulbs emit light over a broad spectrum, much of which does not result in bright illumination due to the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. Also, light bulbs emit light in all directions, and thus are not ideal for applications requiring strong directionality or focus, such as projection displays, optical data storage, or specialized directed lighting.

In 1960, the laser was first demonstrated by Theodore H. Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu. This laser utilized a solid-state flash lamp-pumped synthetic ruby crystal to produce red laser light at 694 nm. By 1964, blue and green laser output was demonstrated by William Bridges at Hughes Aircraft utilizing a gas laser design called an Argon ion laser. The Ar-ion laser utilized a noble gas as the active medium and produce laser light output in the UV, blue, and green wavelengths including 351 nm, 454.6 nm, 457.9 nm, 465.8 nm, 476.5 nm, 488.0 nm, 496.5 nm, 501.7 nm, 514.5 nm, and 528.7 nm. The Ar-ion laser had the benefit of producing highly directional and focusable light with a narrow spectral output, but the wall plug efficiency was less than 0.1%, and the size, weight, and cost of the lasers were also undesirable.

As laser technology evolved, more efficient lamp pumped solid state laser designs were developed for the red and infrared wavelengths, but these technologies remained a challenge for blue and green and blue lasers. As a result, lamp pumped solid state lasers were developed in the infrared, and the output wavelength was converted to the visible using specialty crystals with nonlinear optical properties. A green lamp pumped solid state laser had 3 stages: electricity powers lamp, lamp excites gain crystal which lases at 1064 nm, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm. The resulting green and blue lasers were called “lamped pumped solid state lasers with second harmonic generation” (LPSS with SHG) had wall plug efficiency of ˜1%, and were more efficient than Ar-ion gas lasers, but were still too inefficient, large, expensive, fragile for broad deployment outside of specialty scientific and medical applications. Additionally, the gain crystal used in the solid state lasers typically had energy storage properties which made the lasers difficult to modulate at high speeds which limited its broader deployment.

To improve the efficiency of these visible lasers, high power diode (or semiconductor) lasers were utilized. These “diode pumped solid state lasers with SHG” (DPSS with SHG) had 3 stages: electricity powers 808 nm diode laser, 808 nm excites gain crystal which lases at 1064 nm, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm. The DPSS laser technology extended the life and improved the wall plug efficiency of the LPSS lasers to 5-10%, and further commercialization ensue into more high end specialty industrial, medical, and scientific applications. However, the change to diode pumping increased the system cost and required precise temperature controls, leaving the laser with substantial size, power consumption while not addressing the energy storage properties which made the lasers difficult to modulate at high speeds.

As high power laser diodes evolved and new specialty SHG crystals were developed, it became possible to directly convert the output of the infrared diode laser to produce blue and green laser light output. These “directly doubled diode lasers” or SHG diode lasers had 2 stages: electricity powers 1064 nm semiconductor laser, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm green light. These lasers designs are meant to improve the efficiency, cost and size compared to DPSS-SHG lasers, but the specialty diodes and crystals required make this challenging today. Additionally, while the diode-SHG lasers have the benefit of being directly modulate-able, they suffer from severe sensitivity to temperature which limits their application

From the above, it is seen that techniques for improving optical devices is highly desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to optical devices and related methods. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device for emitting electromagnetic radiation using nonpolar or semipolar gallium containing substrates such as GaN, AlN, InN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN, and others. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and device using a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate configured on the {20-21} family of planes or an off-cut of the {20-21} family of planes towards the c-plane and/or towards the a-plane. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a low voltage laser device using a gallium and nitrogen bearing species. Merely by way of example, the invention can be applied to optical devices, lasers, light emitting diodes, solar cells, photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen generation, photodetectors, integrated circuits, and transistors, among other devices.

In preferred embodiments, the invention provides a laser structure without an aluminum bearing cladding region. In a specific embodiment, the laser device comprises a multi-quantum well active region having thin barrier layers, with the active region comprising three or more quantum well structures. Between each of the quantum well structures is a thin barrier layer, e.g., 8 nm and less, 7 nm and less, 6 nm and less, 5 nm and less, 4 nm and less, 3 nm and less, 2 nm and less, 1.5 nm and less. In a preferred embodiment, the combination of thin barrier layers configured in the multi-quantum well structures enables a low voltage (e.g., 7 volts and less, 6 volts and less) laser diode free from use of aluminum bearing cladding regions.

In one embodiment, the optical device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate including a {20-21} crystalline surface region orientation, which may be off-cut. The device preferably has an n-type cladding material overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material according to a specific embodiment. The n-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. The device also has an active region comprising at least three quantum wells. Each of the quantum wells has a thickness of 2.5 nm and greater or 3.5 nm and greater and one or more barrier layers. Each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 4 nm or about 3 nm to about 6.5 nm and is configured between a pair of quantum wells according to a specific embodiment. At least one or each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 4 nm and is configured between a pair of quantum wells or adjacent to a quantum well according to a specific embodiment. At least one or each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 3 nm to about 6.5 nm and is configured between a pair of quantum wells or adjacent to a quantum well according to a specific embodiment. Preferably, the device has a p-type cladding material overlying the active region. Preferably, the p-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material according to a specific embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the active region is configured operably for a forward voltage of less than about 7V or less than about 6V for the device for an output power of 60 mW and greater.

In yet an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides an optical device. The device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate including a {20-21} crystalline surface region orientation. The device also has an n-type cladding material overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material. The n-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. The device further has an active region comprising at least two quantum wells. Each of the quantum wells has a thickness of 2.5 nm and greater or 3.5 nm and greater and one or more barrier layers according to a specific embodiment. Each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 5 nm or about 3 nm to about 8 nm according to a specific embodiment. Each of the barrier layers is configured between a pair of quantum wells according to one or more embodiments. At least one or each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 5 nm and is configured between a pair of quantum wells or adjacent to a quantum well according to a specific embodiment. At least one or each of the barrier layers has a thickness ranging from about 3 nm to about 8 nm and is configured between a pair of quantum wells or adjacent to a quantum well according to a specific embodiment. The device also has a p-type cladding material overlying the active region. The p-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material according to a preferred embodiment. The device optionally has a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material.

In other embodiments, the invention provides yet an alternative optical device, which has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate including a {20-21}crystalline surface region orientation. An n-type cladding material is overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material. Preferably, the n-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. The device has an active region comprising at least two quantum wells, each of which has a thickness of 2.5 nm and greater. The device has one or more barrier layers, each of which has an n-type impurity characteristic and a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 5 nm or about 3 nm to about 8 nm in one or more alternative embodiments. Preferably, each of the barrier layers is configured between a pair of quantum wells according to a specific embodiment. The device also has a p-type cladding material overlying the active region according to a specific embodiment. The p-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material according to a specific embodiment. The device also has a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of fabricating an optical device, which has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate including a {20-21}crystalline surface region orientation. An n-type cladding material is overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material. Preferably, the n-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. The method includes forming an active region comprising at least two quantum wells, each of which has a thickness of 2.5 nm and greater. The device has one or more barrier layers, each of which has an n-type impurity characteristic and a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 5 nm or about 3 nm to about 8 nm in one or more alternative embodiments. Preferably, each of the barrier layers is configured between a pair of quantum wells according to a specific embodiment. The method also includes forming a p-type cladding material overlying the active region according to a specific embodiment. The p-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material according to a specific embodiment. The method also includes forming a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an optical device, such as a laser diode. The device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate including a {20-21}crystalline surface region orientation, which may be off-cut according to one or more embodiments. The device has an n-type cladding material overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material. In a preferred embodiment, the n-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. The device also has an active region comprising at least two quantum wells. In a specific embodiment, each of the quantum wells has a thickness of 2.5 nm and greater and one or more barrier layers according to a specific embodiment. Each of the barrier layers has a p-type characteristic and a thickness ranging from about 2 nm to about 3.5 nm in a specific embodiment. Each of the barrier layers has a p-type characteristic and a thickness ranging from about 3.5 nm to about 7 nm in an alternative specific embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, each of the barrier layers is configured between a pair of quantum wells. The device also has a p-type cladding material overlying the active region. Preferably, the p-type cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum bearing material. And overlying p-type material is included. In a preferred embodiment, the active region is configured for a forward voltage of less than about 6V or less than about 7V for the device for an output power of 60 mW and greater.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention includes a laser diode substantially free from an aluminum containing cladding region. To form the laser diode without an aluminum containing cladding region, the present laser diode includes three or more quantum wells to provide enough confinement of the optical mode for sufficient gain to reach lasing. However, when the number of quantum wells increases in the active region, the forward voltage of the diode can increase, as a tradeoff. We have determined that the forward voltage of the diode can be reduced in multi-quantum well active regions by way of the use of thin barriers on the order of 5 nm, which are much thinner than conventional lasers such as those in Yoshizumi et al., “Continuous-Wave operation of 520 nm Green InGaN-Based Laser Diodes on Semi-Polar {20-21} GaN Substrates,” Applied Physics Express 2 (2009) 092101. We have also determined that the forward voltage can be reduced in multi-quantum well active regions by adding p or n-type dopant species to the active region according to one or more other embodiments. Although any one or combination of these approached can be used, we believe it would be preferable to use the thin barrier approach to avoid adding impurities to the active region. The impurities may change optical losses and alter the electrical junction placement according to one or more embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention provides a laser device and method that is free from aluminum-containing cladding regions with low voltage on {20-21) substrates.

Moreover, the present invention provides an optical device that is substantially free from aluminum bearing cladding materials. The device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate member having a {20-21} crystalline surface region. The device has an n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material. In a specific embodiment, the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum species, which leads to imperfections, defects, and other limitations. The device also has an active region including multiple quantum well structures overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material. In one or more preferred embodiments, the device also has thin barrier layers configured with the multiple well structures. The device has a p-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material overlying the active region. In a preferred embodiment, the p-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum species. The device preferably includes a laser stripe region configured from at least the active region and characterized by a cavity orientation substantially parallel to a projection in a c-direction. The laser strip region has a first end and a second end. The device also has a first cleaved facet provided on the first end of the laser stripe region and a second cleaved facet provided on the second end of the laser stripe region. In yet other embodiments, the present device includes a gallium and nitrogen containing electron blocking region that is substantially free from aluminum species. In yet other embodiments, the device does not include any electron blocking layer or yet in other embodiments, there is no aluminum in the cladding layers and/or electron blocking layer, although other embodiments include aluminum containing blocking layers. In still other embodiments, the optical device and method are free from any aluminum material, which leads to defects, imperfections, and the like.

In preferred embodiments, the present method and structure is substantially free from InAlGaN or aluminum bearing species in the cladding layers as conventional techniques, such as those in Yoshizumi et al., “Continuous-Wave operation of 520 nm Green InGaN-Based Laser Diodes on Semi-Polar {20-21} GaN Substrates,” Applied Physics Express 2 (2009) 092101. That is, the present laser structure and method are substantially free from any aluminum species in the cladding region. Aluminum is generally detrimental. Aluminum often leads to introduction of oxygen in the reactor, which can act as non-radiative recombination centers to reduce the radiative efficiency and introduce other limitations. We also determined that oxygen can compensate p-type dopants in the p-cladding to cause additional resistivity in the optical device. In other aspects, we also determined that aluminum is detrimental to the MOCVD reactor and can react or pre-react with other growth precursors. Use of aluminum cladding layers is also cumbersome and can take additional time to grow. Accordingly, it is believed that the aluminum cladding free laser method and structure are generally more efficient to grow than conventional laser structures.

Additional benefits are achieved over pre-existing techniques using the present invention. In particular, the present invention enables a cost-effective optical device for laser applications. In a specific embodiment, the present optical device can be manufactured in a relatively simple and cost effective manner. Depending upon the embodiment, the present apparatus and method can be manufactured using conventional materials and/or methods according to one of ordinary skill in the art. The present laser device uses a semipolar gallium nitride material capable of achieve a green laser device, among others. In one or more embodiments, the laser device is capable of emitting long wavelengths such as those ranging from about 500 nm to greater than about 540 nm, but can be others. In another embodiment the laser device is capable of operating in the blue region of 430 nm to 480 nm or the cyan region of 480 nm to about 500 nm. In yet another embodiment, the laser device is capable of operating in the violet region of 390 nm to 430 nm. In one or more preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a laser diode on a {20-21} gallium and nitrogen containing material configured for emissions at about 522 nm and greater, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the present method and structure uses a top-side skip and scribe technique for improved cleaves in the laser device structure. In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method using a top side skip-scribe technique for good facets in the projection of the c-direction. In a preferred embodiment, the present device and method provide a laser device configured on a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate having thin barrier regions within the active region, and having a forward voltage of 7V and less, which is desirable.

The present invention achieves these benefits and others in the context of known process technology. However, a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the latter portions of the specification and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a laser device fabricated on the {20-21}plane gallium and nitrogen containing substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a laser device fabricated on the {20-21}plane gallium and nitrogen containing substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating an epitaxial laser structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A through 3C are simplified diagrams illustrating epitaxial laser structures according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are photographs of cleaved facets for the device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of an alternative laser device fabricated on a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of cleaved facets for the device of FIG. 6 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 to 15 illustrate a simplified backend processing method of a laser device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a simplified plot illustrating light output voltage characteristics of laser stripes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a simplified plot illustrating light output voltage characteristics of laser stripes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a 522 nm laser device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a continuous wave 525 nm laser device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a continuous wave 520 nm laser device operable at 45 mWatts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a simplified diagram of forward voltage at three difference current densities for micro-LED devices fabricated from 5 quantum well laser diode epitaxial structures with various barrier thicknesses.

FIG. 22 is a simplified diagram of voltage versus current characteristic from single lateral mode green laser diode with ˜600 micron cavity length according to a specific embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, techniques related generally to optical devices are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device for emitting electromagnetic radiation using nonpolar or semipolar gallium containing substrates such as GaN, AlN, InN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN, and others. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and device using a gallium and nitrogen containing {20-21}substrate which could be miscut towards the c-plane or towards the a-plane according to one or more embodiments, but there can be other configurations. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a low voltage laser device using a gallium and nitrogen bearing species. Merely by way of example, the invention can be applied to optical devices, lasers, light emitting diodes, solar cells, photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen generation, photodetectors, integrated circuits, and transistors, among other devices. In a specific embodiment, the present laser device can be employed in either a semipolar or non-polar gallium containing substrate, as described below.

We have explored epitaxial growth and cleave properties on semipolar crystal planes oriented between the nonpolar m-plane and the polar c-plane. In particular, we have grown on the {30-31} and {20-21} families of crystal planes. We have achieved promising epitaxy structures and cleaves that will create a path to efficient laser diodes operating at wavelengths from about 400 nm to green, e.g., 500 nm to 540 nm. These results include bright blue epitaxy in the 450 nm range, bright green epitaxy in the 520 nm range, and smooth naturally occurring cleave planes orthogonal to the projection of the c-direction. It is desirable to align the laser cavities parallel to the projection of the c-direction for maximum gain on this family of crystal planes. Using these technologies, we have demonstrated a laser device on {20-21} operating at 522 nm with a cavity oriented in the projection of the c-direction, but can be others.

Although it was believed that a higher gain would be offered in the projection of the c-direction than would be available in the a-direction, it is also desirable to form a high quality cleavage plane orthogonal to a stripe oriented in the projection of the c-direction. An example of such a laser device is described in U.S. Ser. No. 61/243,502 filed Sep. 17, 2009, entitled “Growth Structures and Methods for Forming Laser Diodes on {20-21} or Off Cut Gallium and Nitrogen Containing Substrates,” and in U.S. Ser. No. 12/884,993, entitled, “Growth Structures and Method for Forming Laser Diodes on {20-21} or Off Cut Gallium and Nitrogen Containing Substrates.” More specifically, we desired a high quality cleavage plane orthogonal to the [10-1-7] for a laser stripe formed on the {20-21} plane. In one or more preferred embodiments, we determined a high quality cleave plane substantially orthogonal to the projection of the c-direction, [10-1-7]. In particular, we determined that if a top side skip-scribe scribing technique is used followed by a break step a high quality smooth and vertical cleaved facet would be formed on the upper portion of the cleave face according to one or more embodiments. Below the upper portion of the cleave face the facet becomes angled, which may not be optimum for a laser diode mirror according to one or more embodiments. In other embodiments, however, such angled cleave characteristic is desirable for laser fabrication since the laser mirror will be positioned on top of the substrate where the cleave face is vertical. In one or more embodiments, when the sample is back side laser scribed and then broken, an angled, but smooth cleave face is formed. Such a smooth cleave face may be desirable for lasers, but it is not the most preferable since the laser mirror will be tilted. The top-side skip scribe technique looks more preferably according to one or more embodiments. Further details of the scribing and breaking technique can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a laser device 100 fabricated on an off-cut m-plane {20-21} substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the optical device includes a gallium nitride substrate member 101 having the off-cut m-plane crystalline surface region. In a specific embodiment, the gallium nitride substrate member is a bulk GaN substrate characterized by having a semipolar or non-polar crystalline surface region, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the bulk nitride GaN substrate comprises nitrogen and has a surface dislocation density below 10⁵ cm⁻². The nitride crystal or wafer may comprise Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N, where 0≤x, y, x+y≤1. In one specific embodiment, the nitride crystal comprises GaN, but can be others. In one or more embodiments, the GaN substrate has threading dislocations, at a concentration between about 10⁵ cm⁻² and about 10 cm⁻², in a direction that is substantially orthogonal or oblique with respect to the surface. As a consequence of the orthogonal or oblique orientation of the dislocations, the surface dislocation density is between about 10⁵ cm⁻² to 10⁷ cm⁻² or below about 10⁵ cm⁻². In a specific embodiment, the device can be fabricated on a slightly off-cut semipolar substrate as described in U.S. Ser. No. 12/749,466 filed Mar. 29, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional No. 61/164,409 filed Mar. 28, 2009, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In a specific embodiment on the {20-21} GaN, the device has a laser stripe region formed overlying a portion of the off-cut crystalline orientation surface region. In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe region is characterized by a cavity orientation substantially in a projection of a c-direction, which is substantially normal to an a-direction. In a specific embodiment, the laser strip region has a first end 107 and a second end 109. In a preferred embodiment, the device is formed on a projection of a c-direction on a {20-21} gallium and nitrogen containing substrate having a pair of cleaved mirror structures, which face each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a first cleaved facet provided on the first end of the laser stripe region and a second cleaved facet provided on the second end of the laser stripe region. In one or more embodiments, the first cleaved is substantially parallel with the second cleaved facet. Mirror surfaces are formed on each of the cleaved surfaces. The first cleaved facet comprises a first mirror surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first mirror surface is provided by a top-side skip-scribe scribing and breaking process. The scribing process can use any suitable techniques, such as a diamond scribe or laser scribe or combinations. In a specific embodiment, the first mirror surface comprises a reflective coating. The reflective coating is selected from silicon dioxide, hafnia, and titania, tantalum pentoxide, zirconia, including combinations, and the like. Depending upon the embodiment, the first mirror surface can also comprise an anti-reflective coating.

Also in a preferred embodiment, the second cleaved facet comprises a second mirror surface. The second mirror surface is provided by a top side skip-scribe scribing and breaking process according to a specific embodiment. Preferably, the scribing is diamond scribed or laser scribed or the like. In a specific embodiment, the second mirror surface comprises a reflective coating, such as silicon dioxide, hafnia, and titania, tantalum pentoxide, zirconia, combinations, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the second mirror surface comprises an anti-reflective coating.

In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe has a length and width. The length ranges from about 50 microns to about 3000 microns or preferably from about 400 microns to about 650 microns or about 650 microns to about 1200 um microns. The strip also has a width ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns or preferably between 1 microns to about 1.5 microns, about 1.5 microns to about 2.0 microns, or about 2.0 microns to about 4 microns, but can be other dimensions. In a specific embodiment, the width is substantially constant in dimension, although there may be slight variations. The width and length are often formed using a masking and etching process, which are commonly used in the art.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an alternative device structure capable of emitting 501 nm and greater light in a ridge laser embodiment. The device is provided with one or more of the following epitaxially grown elements, but is not limiting.

an n-GaN cladding layer with a thickness from 100 nm to 3000 nm with Si doping level of 5E17 to 3E18 cm-3

an n-side SCH layer comprised of InGaN with molar fraction of indium of between 3% and 10% and thickness from 20 to 150 nm

multiple quantum well active region layers comprised of at least two 2.0-5.5 nm InGaN quantum wells separated by thin 2.5 nm and greater, and optionally up to about 8 nm, GaN barriers

a p-side SCH layer comprised of InGaN with molar a fraction of indium of between 1% and 10% and a thickness from 15 nm to 100 nm

an electron blocking layer comprised of AlGaN with molar fraction of aluminum of between 5% and 20% and thickness from 5 nm to 20 nm and doped with Mg.

a p-GaN cladding layer with a thickness from 400 nm to 1000 nm with Mg doping level of 2E17 cm-3 to 2E19 cm-3

a p++-GaN contact layer with a thickness from 20 nm to 40 nm with Mg doping level of 1E19 cm-3 to 1E21 cm-3

Of course there can be other embodiments such as the use of p-side GaN guiding layer in place of the p-SCH, the use of multiple different layers in the SCH regions, or the omission of the EBL layer. Again, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a laser device 200 fabricated on a {20-21}substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the laser device includes gallium nitride substrate 203, which has an underlying n-type metal back contact region 201. In a specific embodiment, the metal back contact region is made of a suitable material such as those noted below and others. Further details of the contact region can be found throughout the present specification, and more particularly below.

In a specific embodiment, the device also has an overlying n-type gallium nitride layer 205, an active region 207, and an overlying p-type gallium nitride layer structured as a laser stripe region 209. In a specific embodiment, each of these regions is formed using at least an epitaxial deposition technique of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), or other epitaxial growth techniques suitable for GaN growth. In a specific embodiment, the epitaxial layer is a high quality epitaxial layer overlying the n-type gallium nitride layer. In some embodiments the high quality layer is doped, for example, with Si or O to form n-type material, with a dopant concentration between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²⁰ cm³.

In a specific embodiment, an n-type Al_(u)In_(v)Ga_(1-u-v)N layer, where 0≤u, v, u+v≤1, is deposited on the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the carrier concentration may lie in the range between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²⁰ cm⁻³. The deposition may be performed using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).

As an example, the bulk GaN substrate is placed on a susceptor in an MOCVD reactor. After closing, evacuating, and back-filling the reactor (or using a load lock configuration) to atmospheric pressure, the susceptor is heated to a temperature between about 1000 and about 1200 degrees Celsius in the presence of a nitrogen-containing gas. In one specific embodiment, the susceptor is heated to approximately 900 to 1100 degrees Celsius under flowing ammonia. A flow of a gallium-containing metalorganic precursor, such as trimethylgallium (TMG) or triethylgallium (TEG) is initiated, in a carrier gas, at a total rate between approximately 1 and 50 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm). The carrier gas may comprise hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, or argon. The ratio of the flow rate of the group V precursor (ammonia) to that of the group III precursor (trimethylgallium, triethylgallium, trimethylindium, trimethylaluminum) during growth is between about 2000 and about 12000. A flow of disilane in a carrier gas, with a total flow rate of between about 0.1 and 10 sccm, is initiated.

In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe region is made of the p-type gallium nitride layer 209. In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe is provided by an etching process selected from dry etching or wet etching. In a preferred embodiment, the etching process is dry, but can be others. As an example, the dry etching process is an inductively coupled process using chlorine bearing species or a reactive ion etching process using similar chemistries. Again as an example, the chlorine bearing species are commonly derived from chlorine gas or the like. The device also has an overlying dielectric region, which exposes 213 contact region. In a specific embodiment, the dielectric region is an oxide such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, but can be others. The contact region is coupled to an overlying metal layer 215. The overlying metal layer is a multilayered structure containing gold and platinum (Pt/Au), nickel gold (Ni/Au), but can be others.

In a specific embodiment, the laser device has active region 207. The active region can include one to twenty quantum well regions according to one or more embodiments. As an example following deposition of the n-type Al_(u)In_(v)Ga_(1-u-v)N layer for a predetermined period of time, so as to achieve a predetermined thickness, an active layer is deposited. The active layer may be comprised of multiple quantum wells, with 2-10 quantum wells. The quantum wells may be comprised of InGaN with GaN barrier layers separating them. In other embodiments, the well layers and barrier layers comprise Al_(w)In_(x)Ga_(1-w-x)N and Al_(y)In_(z)Ga_(1-y-z)N, respectively, where 0≤w, x, y, z, w+x, y+z≤1, where w<u, y and/or x>v, z so that the bandgap of the well layer(s) is less than that of the barrier layer(s) and the n-type layer. The well layers and barrier layers may each have a thickness between about 1 nm and about 20 nm. The composition and structure of the active layer are chosen to provide light emission at a preselected wavelength. The active layer may be left undoped (or unintentionally doped) or may be doped n-type or p-type.

In a specific embodiment, the active region can also include an electron blocking region, and a separate confinement heterostructure. In some embodiments, an electron blocking layer is preferably deposited. The electron-blocking layer may comprise Al_(s)In_(t)Ga_(1-s-t)N, where 0≤s, t, s+t≤1, with a higher bandgap than the active layer, and may be doped p-type. In one specific embodiment, the electron blocking layer comprises AlGaN. In another embodiment, the electron blocking layer comprises an AlGaN/GaN super-lattice structure, comprising alternating layers of AlGaN and GaN, each with a thickness between about 0.2 nm and about 5 nm.

In a specific embodiment, the action region structure does not include an AlGaN EBL layer. That is, the laser device is free from any electron blocking layer, which is optional in such embodiment.

As noted, the p-type gallium nitride structure is deposited above the electron blocking layer and active layer(s). The p-type layer may be doped with Mg, to a level between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²² cm⁻³, and may have a thickness between about 5 nm and about 1000 nm. The outermost 1-50 nm of the p-type layer may be doped more heavily than the rest of the layer, so as to enable an improved electrical contact. In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe is provided by an etching process selected from dry etching or wet etching. In a preferred embodiment, the etching process is dry, but can be others. The device also has an overlying dielectric region, which exposes 213 contact region. In a specific embodiment, the dielectric region is an oxide such as silicon dioxide.

In a specific embodiment, the metal contact is made of suitable material. The reflective electrical contact may comprise at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, nickel, platinum, rhodium, palladium, chromium, or the like. The electrical contact may be deposited by thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation, electroplating, sputtering, or another suitable technique. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contact serves as a p-type electrode for the optical device. In another embodiment, the electrical contact serves as an n-type electrode for the optical device.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating a laser structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. In a specific embodiment, the device includes a starting material such as a bulk nonpolar or semipolar GaN substrate, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the device is configured to achieve emission wavelength ranges of 390 nm to 420 nm, 420 nm to 440 nm, 440 nm to 470 nm, 470 nm to 490 nm, 490 nm to 510 nm, and 510 nm to 530 nm, but can be others.

In a preferred embodiment, the growth structure is configured using between 3 and 5 or 5 and 7 quantum wells positioned between n-type GaN and p-type GaN cladding layers. In a specific embodiment, the n-type GaN cladding layer ranges in thickness from 500 nm to 2000 nm and has an n-type dopant such as Si with a doping level of between 1E18 cm-3 and 3E18 cm-3. In a specific embodiment, the p-type GaN cladding layer ranges in thickness from 500 nm to 1000 nm and has a p-type dopant such as Mg with a doping level of between 1E17 cm-3 and 7E19 cm-3. In a specific embodiment, the Mg doping level is graded such that the concentration would be lower in the region closer to the quantum wells.

In a specific preferred embodiment, the quantum wells have a thickness of between 2.5 nm and 4 nm, 4 nm and 5.5 nm or 5.5 nm and 8 nm, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the quantum wells would be separated by barrier layers with thicknesses between 2 nm and 3.5 nm or 3.5 nm and 6 nm or 6 nm and 8 nm. The quantum wells and the barriers together comprise a multiple quantum well (MQW) region.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has barrier layers formed from GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or InAlGaN. In a specific embodiment using InGaN barriers, the indium contents range from 0% to 5% (mole percent), but can be others. Also, it should be noted that % of indium or aluminum is in a molar fraction, not weight percent.

An InGaN separate confinement heterostructure layer (SCH) could be positioned between the n-type GaN cladding and the MQW region according to one or more embodiments. Typically, such separate confinement layer is commonly called the n-side SCH. The n-side SCH layer ranges in thickness from 10 nm to 60 nm or 60 nm to 150 nm and ranges in indium composition from 1% to 12% (mole percent), but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the n-side SCH layer may be doped with an n-type dopant such as Si.

In yet another preferred embodiment, an InGaN separate confinement heterostructure layer (SCH) is positioned between the p-type GaN cladding and the MQW region, which is called the p-side SCH. In a specific embodiment, the p-side SCH layer ranges in thickness from 10 nm to 40 nm or 40 nm to 150 nm and ranges in indium composition from 0% to 10% (mole percent), but can be others. The p-side SCH layer may be doped with a p-type dopant such as Mg.

In another embodiment, the structure would contain both an n-side SCH and a p-side SCH. In another embodiment the p-side SCH would be replaced with p-side GaN guiding layer. In another embodiment the n-side and/or p-side SCH regions would contain multiple layers.

In another embodiment, the structure would contain a GaN guiding layer on the p-side positioned between the p-type GaN cladding layer and the MQW region. This GaN guiding layer could range in thickness from 10 nm to 60 nm and may or may not be doped with a p-type species such as Mg.

In a specific preferred embodiment, an AlGaN electron blocking layer, with an aluminum content of between 5% and 20% (mole percent), is positioned between the MQW and the p-type GaN cladding layer either between the MQW and the p-side SCH, within the p-side SCH, or between the p-side SCH and the p-type GaN cladding. The AlGaN electron blocking layer ranges in thickness from 5 nm to 20 nm and is doped with a p-type dopant such as Mg from 1E17 cm-3 and 1E21 cm-3 according to a specific embodiment. In other embodiments, the electron blocking layer is free from any aluminum species and/or may be eliminated altogether. In yet another embodiment, the device would be substantially free from an electron blocking layer.

Preferably, a p-contact layer positioned on top of and is formed overlying the p-type cladding layer. The p-contact layer would be comprised of GaN doped with a p-dopant such as Mg at a level ranging from 1E20 cm-3 to 1E22 cm-3.

FIGS. 3A through 3C are simplified diagrams illustrating epitaxial laser structures according to other embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an optical device that is substantially free from aluminum bearing cladding materials. The device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate member (e.g., bulk gallium nitride) having a {20-21} crystalline surface region or other surface configuration. The device has an n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material. In a specific embodiment, the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum species, which leads to imperfections, impurities, and other limitations. In one or more preferred embodiment, the cladding material has no aluminum species and is made of a gallium and nitrogen containing material. Of course, there can be other variations, modification, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the device also has an active region including multiple quantum well structures overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material. In one or more embodiments, the active regions can include those noted, as well as others. That is, the device can include InGaN/InGaN and/or InGaN/GaN active regions, among others. In a specific embodiment, the optical can include seven MQW, six MQW, five MQW, four MQW, three MQW, more MQW, or fewer, and the like. Of course, there can be other variations, modification, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the device has a p-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material overlying the active region. In a preferred embodiment, the p-type gallium and nitrogen containing cladding material is substantially free from an aluminum species, which leads to imperfections, defects, and other limitations. In one or more preferred embodiment, the cladding material has no aluminum species and is made of a gallium and nitrogen containing material.

In a specific embodiment, the device preferably includes a laser stripe region configured from at least the active region and characterized by a cavity orientation substantially parallel to a projection in a c-direction. Other configurations may also exist depending upon the specific embodiment. The laser strip region has a first end and a second end or other configurations. In a specific embodiment, the device also has a first cleaved facet provided on the first end of the laser stripe region and a second cleaved facet provided on the second end of the laser stripe region.

In yet other embodiments, the present device includes a gallium and nitrogen containing electron blocking region that is substantially free from aluminum species. In yet other embodiments, the device does not include any electron blocking layer or yet in other embodiments, there is no aluminum in the cladding layers and/or electron blocking layer.

In preferred embodiments, the present method and structure is substantially free from InAlGaN or aluminum bearing species in the cladding layers as conventional techniques, such as those in Yoshizumi et al., “Continuous-Wave operation of 520 nm Green InGaN-Based Laser Diodes on Semi-Polar {20-21} GaN Substrates,” Applied Physics Express 2 (2009) 092101. That is, the present laser structure and method are substantially free from any aluminum species in the cladding region. Aluminum is generally detrimental. Aluminum often leads to introduction of oxygen in the reactor, which can act as non-radiative recombination centers to reduce the radiative efficiency and introduce other limitations. We also determined that oxygen can compensate p-type dopants in the p-cladding to cause additional resistivity in the optical device. In other aspects, we also determined that aluminum is detrimental to the MOCVD reactor and can react or pre-react with other growth precursors. Use of aluminum cladding layers is also cumbersome and can take additional time to grow. Accordingly, it is believed that the aluminum cladding free laser method and structure are generally more efficient to grow than conventional laser structures.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are photographs of cleaved facets for the device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. These photographs are merely examples, and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. In some embodiments, top side skip-scribe scribing technique is used followed by a break step. The top of facet appears relatively smooth and vertical, and the bottom portion has a light curvature.

FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of an alternative laser device fabricated on a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the optical device includes a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate member 601 having the off-cut m-plane crystalline surface region according to one or more embodiments. In a specific embodiment, the gallium nitride substrate member is a bulk GaN substrate characterized by having a semipolar or non-polar crystalline surface region, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the bulk nitride GaN substrate comprises nitrogen and has a surface dislocation density between 10⁵ cm⁻² and 10⁷ cm⁻² or below 10⁵ cm⁻². The nitride crystal or wafer may comprise Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N, where 0≤x, y, x+y≤1. In one specific embodiment, the nitride crystal comprises GaN. In one or more embodiments, the GaN substrate has threading dislocations, at a concentration between about 10⁵ cm⁻² and about 10⁸ cm⁻², in a direction that is substantially orthogonal or oblique with respect to the surface. As a consequence of the orthogonal or oblique orientation of the dislocations, the surface dislocation density is between 10⁵ cm⁻² and 10⁷ cm⁻² or below about 10⁵ cm⁻².

In a specific embodiment on the off-cut GaN, the device has a laser stripe region formed overlying a portion of the off-cut crystalline orientation surface region. In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe region is characterized by a cavity orientation substantially in a projection of a c-direction, which is substantially normal to an a-direction. In a specific embodiment, the laser strip region has a first end 607 and a second end 609. In a preferred embodiment, the device is formed on a projection of a c-direction on a {30-31} gallium and nitrogen containing substrate having a pair of cleaved mirror structures, which face each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a first cleaved facet provided on the first end of the laser stripe region and a second cleaved facet provided on the second end of the laser stripe region. In one or more embodiments, the first cleaved is substantially parallel with the second cleaved facet. Mirror surfaces are formed on each of the cleaved surfaces. The first cleaved facet comprises a first mirror surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first mirror surface is provided by a scribing and breaking process. The scribing process can use any suitable techniques, such as a diamond scribe or laser scribe or combinations. In a specific embodiment, the first mirror surface comprises a reflective coating. The reflective coating is selected from silicon dioxide, hafnia, and titania, tantalum pentoxide, zirconia, including combinations, and the like. Depending upon the embodiment, the first mirror surface can also comprise an anti-reflective coating.

Also in a preferred embodiment, the second cleaved facet comprises a second mirror surface. The second mirror surface is provided by a scribing and breaking process according to a specific embodiment. Preferably, the scribing is diamond scribed or laser scribed or the like. In a specific embodiment, the second mirror surface comprises a reflective coating, such as silicon dioxide, hafnia, and titania, tantalum pentoxide, zirconia, combinations, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the second mirror surface comprises an anti-reflective coating.

In a specific embodiment, the laser stripe has a length and width. The length ranges from about 50 microns to about 3000 microns. In a preferred embodiment the laser stripe length is about 400 um to about 650 um or about 650 um to about 1200 um. The stripe also has a width ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 1.5 microns, 1.5 microns to about 3 microns, or about 3 microns to about 50 microns but can be other dimensions. In a specific embodiment, the width is substantially constant in dimension, although there may be slight variations. The width and length are often formed using a masking and etching process, which are commonly used in the art. Further details of the present device can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of cleaved facets for the device of FIG. 5.

A method of processing a laser device according to one or more embodiments may be outline as follows, see also FIG. 8:

-   -   1. Start;     -   2. Provide processed substrate including laser devices with         ridges;     -   3. Thin substrate from backside;     -   4. Form backside n-contact;     -   5. Scribe pattern for separation of the laser devices configured         in bar structures;     -   6. Break scribed pattern to form a plurality of bar structures;     -   7. Stack bar structures;     -   8. Coat bars structures;     -   9. Singulate bar structures into individual dies having laser         device; and     -   10. Perform other steps as desired.

The above sequence of steps is used to form individual laser devices on a die from a substrate structure according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one or more preferred embodiments, the method includes cleaved facets substantially parallel to each other and facing each other in a ridge laser device configured on a non-polar gallium nitride substrate material. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these steps can be combined, or removed, or other steps may be added without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustrating of a substrate thinning process according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. In a specific embodiment, the method begins with a gallium nitride substrate material including laser devices and preferably ridge laser devices, but can be others. The substrate has been subjected to front side processing according to a specific embodiment. After front side processing has been completed, one or more of the GaN substrates are mounted onto a sapphire carrier wafer or other suitable member. As an example, the method uses Crystalbond 909, which is a conventional mounting thermoplastic. The thermoplastic can be dissolved in acetone or other suitable solvent.

In a specific embodiment, the carrier wafer is mounted to a lapping jig. An example of such lapping jig is made by Logitech Ltd. of the United Kingdom, or other vendor. The lapping jig helps maintain planarity of the substrates during the lapping process according to a specific embodiment. As an example, the starting thickness of the substrates are ˜325 um+/−20 um, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the method laps or thins the substrates down to 60-80 um thickness, but can also be thinner or slightly thicker. In a preferred embodiment, the lapping jig is configured with a lapping plate, which is often made of a suitable material such as cast iron configured with a flatness of less than 5 um, but can be others. Preferably, the method uses a lapping slurry that is 1 part silicon carbide (SiC) and 10 parts water, but can also be other variations. In a specific embodiment, the SiC grit is about 5 um in dimension. In one or more embodiments, the lapping plate speed is suitable at about 10 revolutions per minute. Additionally, the method can adjust the lapping jig's down pressure to achieve a desired lapping rate, such as 2-3 um/min or greater or slightly less according to one or more embodiments.

In a specific embodiment, the present method includes a lapping process that may produce subsurface damage in the GaN material to cause generation of mid level traps or the like. The midlevel traps may lead to contacts having a Schottky characteristic. Accordingly, the present method includes one or more polishing processes such that ˜10 um of material having the damage is removed according to a specific embodiment. As an example, the method uses a Politex™ polishing pad of Rohm and Haas, but can be others, that is glued onto a stainless steel plate. A polishing solution is Ultrasol300K manufactured by Eminess Technologies, but can be others. The Ultra-Sol 300K is a high-purity colloidal silica slurry with a specially designed alkaline dispersion. It contains 70 nm colloidal silica and has a pH of 10.6. The solids content is 30% (by weight). In a specific embodiment, the lapping plate speed is 70 rpm and the full weight of the lapping jig is applied. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes a polishing rate of about ˜2 um/hour.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method for achieving high quality n-type contacts for m-plane GaN substrate material. In a specific embodiment, the method provides contacts that are rough to achieve suitable ohmic contact. In a specific embodiment, the roughness causes exposure of other crystal planes, which lead to good contacts.

In a preferred embodiment, the present method includes a lapped surface, which is rough in texture to expose more than one or multiple different crystal planes. In other embodiments, lapping may be followed by etching such as dry etching and/or wet etching. In a specific embodiment, etching removes the subsurface damage, however, it is likely not to planarize the surface like polishing.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating a backside n-contact method according to one or more embodiments. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. After the thinning process is complete, the method forms n-contacts on the backside of the substrates according to one or more embodiments. At this point, the thinned substrates are still mounted to and maintained on the sapphire wafer. In a preferred embodiment, the thinned substrates are “batch process” for efficiency and handling. In a specific embodiment, the method using batch processing helps prevent any damage associated with handling very thin (60-80 um) substrates.

As an example, the backside contact includes about 300 Å Al/3000 Å Au or other suitable materials such as Al/Ni/Au. In a specific embodiment, the contact is a stack of metals that are deposited by e-beam evaporation or other suitable techniques. In a preferred embodiment and prior to the metal stack deposition, the method includes use of a wet etch such as an hydrofluoric acid wet etch to remove any oxides on the surface. In a specific embodiment, the metal stack is preferably not annealed or subjected to high temperature processing after its formation. An example of a technique of fabricating a contact region can be found in U.S. Ser. No. 61/257,449 filed Nov. 2, 2009, and entitled “Method of Fabricating Optical Devices Using Laser Treatment,” in the names of Nicholas J. Pfister, James W. Raring, and Mathew Schmidt, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram illustrating a scribe and break operation according to one or more embodiments. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. After the n-contact is formed, the substrates are demounted from the sapphire carrier wafer and cleaned in acetone and isopropyl alcohol according to a specific embodiment. The substrates are then mounted onto vinyl tape for the scribe and break process depending upon the embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the tape does not leave any residue on the laser bars, which are substantially free from such residues, which are often polymeric in nature or particulates.

Next, the method includes one or more scribing processes. In a specific embodiment, the method includes subjecting the substrates to a laser for pattern formation. In a preferred embodiment, the pattern is configured for the formation of a pair of facets for one or more ridge lasers. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of facets face each other and are in parallel alignment with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the method uses a UV (355 nm) laser to scribe the laser bars. In a specific embodiment, the laser is configured on a system, which allows for accurate scribe lines configured in one or more different patterns and profiles. In one or more embodiments, the scribing can be performed on the back-side, front-side, or both depending upon the application.

In a specific embodiment, the method uses backside scribing or the like. With backside scribing, the method preferably forms a continuous line scribe that is perpendicular to the laser bars on the backside of the GaN substrate. In a specific embodiment, the scribe is generally 15-20 um deep or other suitable depth. Preferably, backside scribing can be advantageous. That is, the scribe process does not depend on the pitch of the laser bars or other like pattern. Accordingly, backside scribing can lead to a higher density of laser bars on each substrate according to a preferred embodiment. In a specific embodiment, backside scribing, however, may lead to residue from the tape on one or more of the facets. In a specific embodiment, backside scribe often requires that the substrates face down on the tape. With front-side scribing, the backside of the substrate is in contact with the tape.

In a preferred embodiment, the present method uses front-side scribing, which facilitates formation of clean facets. In a specific embodiment, the front-side scribing process is preferably used. In a specific embodiment, the method includes a scribe pattern to produce straight cleaves with minimal facet roughness or other imperfections.

Scribe Pattern: The pitch of the laser mask is about 200 um, but can be others. The method uses a 170 um scribe with a 30 um dash for the 200 um pitch. In a preferred embodiment, the scribe length is maximized or increased while maintaining the heat affected zone of the laser away from the laser ridge, which is sensitive to heat.

Scribe Profile: A saw tooth profile generally produces minimal facet roughness. It is believed that the saw tooth profile shape creates a very high stress concentration in the material, which causes the cleave to propagate much easier and/or more efficiently.

In a specific embodiment, the present method provides for a scribe suitable for fabrication of the present laser devices. As an example, FIG. 9 illustrates cross-sections of substrate materials associated with (1) a backside scribe process; and (2) a front-side scribe process.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the method includes a breaking process to form a plurality of bar structures. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. After the GaN substrates are scribed, the method uses a breaker to cleave the substrates into bars. In a specific embodiment, the breaker has a metal support that has a gap spacing of 900 um. The substrate is positioned over the support so that the scribe line is in the centered. A suitably sharp ceramic blade, then applies pressure directly on the scribe line causing the substrate to cleave along the scribe line.

FIG. 14 is a simplified diagram illustrating a stacking and coating process according to one or more embodiments. Again, this diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. After cleaving, the bars are stacked in a fixture that allows for coating the front facet and back facet, which are in parallel alignment with each other and facing each other. The front facet coating films can be selected from any suitable low reflectance design (AR design) or highly reflective coating (HR design). The AR design includes a quarter wave coating of Al₂O₃ capped with a thin layer of HfO₂ according to a specific embodiment. The Al₂O₃ coating is a robust dielectric, and HfO₂ is dense, which helps environmentally passivate and tune the reflectance of the front facet. In a specific embodiment, the front facet is coated with a HR design. The HR design includes several quarter wave pairs of SiO₂/HfO₂ or SiO₂/Ta₂O₅. In a specific embodiment, roughly 3-5 pairs may be used to achieve a reflectance over 80%. In a preferred embodiment, 1-2 pairs is used to achieve a lower reflectivity for higher device output power and efficiency. In another preferred embodiment no facet coating is used on the front mirror. These coating films are preferably deposited by e beam evaporation. In a specific embodiment, the back facet is coated with a high reflectance HR design. The HR design includes several quarter wave pairs of SiO₂/Ta₂O₅ or SiO₂/HfO₂. In a specific embodiment, roughly 6-10 pairs may be used to achieve a reflectance over 99%. In other embodiments, the facet may be exposed gallium and nitrogen containing material that is free from a coating or overlying material for a front facet region.

In a preferred embodiment, the method uses a suitable deposition system configured for deposition of each of the facets without breaking vacuum. The deposition system includes a dome structure with sufficient height and spatial volume. The system allows for the plurality of bars configured in a fixture to be flipped from one side to another side and to expose the back facet and the front facet according to a specific embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the method allows for first deposition of the back facet, reconfiguring the bar fixture to expose the front facet, and second deposition of the front facet without breaking vacuum. In a preferred embodiment, the method allows for deposition of one or more films on front and back without breaking vacuum to save time and improve efficiency. Other embodiments can break vacuum.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method directed to singulate bars into a plurality of die according to a specific embodiment. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. After the facets of the bars have been coated, the method includes testing the laser devices in bar form prior to die singulation. In a specific embodiment, the method singulates the bars by performing a scribe and break process (similar to the facet cleave). Preferably, the method forms a shallow continuous line scribe on the top side of the laser bar according to a specific embodiment. The width of each die is about 200 um, which may reduce the support gap to 300 um or so. After the bars have been cleaved into individual die, the tape is expanded and each of the die is picked off of the tape. Next, the method performs a packing operation for each of the die according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a simplified plot illustrating light output voltage characteristics of laser stripes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown are the voltage and light output of 1200 m long by 1.4 to 2.0 μm wide lasers fabricated on {20-21} with an epitaxial structure oriented in the projection of the c-direction and the a-direction. The higher optical output power and the demonstration of a laser device of the projection of the c-direction lasers is an indication that the gain is higher for projection of c-direction oriented lasers. In this example, the device included gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers that were substantially free from aluminum species.

FIG. 17 is a simplified plot illustrating light output voltage characteristics of laser stripes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Shown are voltage and light output of HR coated 1200 μm long by 1.4 to 2.0 μm wide lasers fabricated on {20-21} with an epitaxial structure oriented in the projection of the c-direction and the a-direction according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. The lower threshold currents and higher slope efficiency of the projection of the c-direction lasers is an indication that the gain characteristic is favorable for projection of c-direction oriented lasers. In this example, the device included gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers that were substantially free from aluminum species.

FIG. 18 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a 522 nm laser device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown are voltage and light output of HR coated 1200 μm long by 1.8 μm wide lasers fabricated on {20-21} with the present epitaxial structure oriented in the projection of the c-direction. Also shown is the lasing spectra of the laser device operating with a peak wavelength of 522 nm, which is clearly in the gren regime. In this example, the device included gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers that were substantially free from aluminum species and thin barrier region.

FIG. 19 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a continuous wave 525 nm laser device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown is a simplified plot of continuous wave (CW) voltage and current versus light characteristics of a laser device fabricated on {20-21} operating at a peak wavelength of 525 nm and maximum output power of over 6.5 mW according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown are voltage and light output of HR coated laser device with a cavity that is approximately 600 μm long by approximately 1.6 μm oriented in the projection of the c-direction according to one or more embodiments. In this example, the device included gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers that were substantially free from aluminum species.

FIG. 20 is a simplified plot of voltage and light characteristics of a continuous wave 520 nm laser device operable at 45 mWatts according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown is a simplified plot of continuous wave (CW) voltage and current versus light characteristics of a laser device fabricated on {20-21} operating at a peak wavelength of 520 nm and maximum output power of 60 mW and wall-plug efficiency of 1.7% according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown are voltage and light output of HR coated laser device with a cavity that is approximately 600 μm long by approximately 1.6 μm oriented in the projection of the c-direction according to one or more embodiments. In this example, the device included gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers that were substantially free from aluminum species.

FIG. 21 is a simplified diagram of forward voltage at three difference current densities for micro-LED devices fabricated from 5 quantum well laser diode epitaxial structures with various barrier thicknesses. As used herein, the micro-LED devices have been used for experimental and demonstration purposes only. As shown, a clear dependence of forward voltage for the different barrier thicknesses can be observed where barriers in the 2 nm to 3 nm range provide significantly lower voltage than thicker barriers. Accordingly, demonstration of a forward voltage for barrier thicknesses has been achieved.

FIG. 22 is a simplified diagram of voltage versus current characteristic from single lateral mode green laser diode with ˜600 micron cavity length according to a specific embodiment. As shown, the epitaxial structure is comprised of a multi-quantum well active region with greater than 4 quantum wells and utilizes thin barriers in the 3 nm range. As shown, the forward voltage remains less than 7V in the expected operating current range for an output power of 60 mW or greater. Accordingly, demonstration of a forward voltage of 7V in the current range has been achieved.

As used herein, the term GaN substrate is associated with Group III-nitride based materials including GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or other Group III containing alloys or compositions that are used as starting materials. Such starting materials include polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate where the largest area surface is nominally an (h k l) plane wherein h=k=0, and l is non-zero), non-polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate material where the largest area surface is oriented at an angle ranging from about 80-100 degrees from the polar orientation described above towards an (h k l) plane wherein l=0, and at least one of h and k is non-zero) or semi-polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate material where the largest area surface is oriented at an angle ranging from about +0.1 to 80 degrees or 110-179.9 degrees from the polar orientation described above towards an (h k l) plane wherein l=0, and at least one of h and k is non-zero).

As shown, the present device can be enclosed in a suitable package. Such package can include those such as in TO-38 and TO-56 headers. Other suitable package designs and methods can also exist, such as TO-9 and even non-standard packaging. In a specific embodiment, the present device can be implemented in a co-packaging configuration such as those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/347,800, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

In other embodiments, the present laser device can be configured in a variety of applications. Such applications include laser displays, metrology, communications, health care and surgery, information technology, and others. As an example, the present laser device can be provided in a laser display such as those described in U.S. Ser. No. 12/789,303 filed May 27, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Nos. 61/182,105 filed May 29, 2009 and 61/182,106 filed May 29, 2009, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. An alternative approach is described in U.S. Ser. No. 12/759,273, entitled “Optical Device Structure Using GAN Substrates For Laser Applications,” filed Apr. 13, 2010, which is also hereby incorporated by reference.

While the above is a full description of the specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be used. In a specific embodiment, the present device and method includes a cladding layer free from AlGaN cladding or other cladding layers substantially free from an aluminum bearing species, which may be about 2% aluminum or less or no aluminum in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the present method and device can include barrier thickness ranges from 3 nm to 6.5 nm and 8 nm, although thinner barrier materials are preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier material has a thickness of 1.5 nm to 5 or 6 nm range, but most preferably between 1.5 nm and 3.5 nm or 4 nm. In more preferable embodiments, the barrier material thicknesses are less than about 5 nm, less than about 4 nm, less than about 3 nm, or less than about 2 nm. In a specific embodiment, the device and method also includes quantum well thickness ranges of about 2.5 nm to 3.5 nm, 3.5 nm to 4.5 nm, or others. In a specific embodiment, the quantum well thickness can also include a range of 3 to 4 nm or 4 to 6 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the device has an operating voltage at 60 mW or greater and is characterized by a voltage drop of less than about 7V, less than about 6.5V, or less than about 6V. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a laser diode device comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing material including a {20-21} crystalline surface region orientation; an n-type cladding material overlying the gallium and nitrogen containing material, the n-type cladding material being substantially free from an aluminum bearing material; an active region comprising at least three quantum wells and a plurality of barrier layers, each of the quantum wells having a thickness of 1 nm and greater, and each of the plurality of barrier layers having a thickness ranging from 1 nm to less than 3 nm, each adjacent pair of the quantum wells separated by one of the plurality of barrier layers; a p-type cladding material overlying the active region, the p-type cladding material being free from AlGaN; a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material; a laser stripe region overlying the crystalline surface region, the laser stripe region being aligned substantially in a projection of the c-direction, the laser stripe region comprising a first end and a second end; a first facet formed on the first end; and a second facet formed on the second end; and a package coupled to the laser diode device.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the active region comprises at least six quantum well regions.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the active region is configured operably for a forward voltage of less than 7V for an output power of 60 mW and greater.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of barrier layers is at least about 2.5 nm in thickness.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of barrier layers is at least about 1.5 nm to about 2.5 nm in thickness.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the {20-21} crystalline surface region is off-cut less than less than +/−10 deg towards a c-plane and/or an a-plane.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein one or more of the plurality of barrier layers is made of a material selected from GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or InAlGaN.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the quantum wells comprises at least InGaN.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of barrier layers is substantially free from a dopant species.
 10. A communication device comprising: a laser diode device comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing material including a {20-21} crystalline surface region orientation; an n-type cladding material overlying the gallium and nitrogen containing material, the n-type cladding material being substantially free from an aluminum bearing material; an active region comprising at least three quantum wells and a plurality of barrier layers, each of the quantum wells having a thickness of 1 nm and greater, and each of the plurality of barrier layers having a p-type characteristic and a thickness ranging from 1 nm to less than 3 nm, each adjacent pair of the quantum wells separated by one of the plurality of barrier layers; a p-type cladding material overlying the active region, the p-type cladding material being substantially free from AlGaN; a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material; a laser stripe region overlying the crystalline surface region, the laser stripe region being aligned substantially in a projection of the c-direction, the laser stripe region comprising a first end and a second end; a first facet formed on the first end; and a second facet formed on the second end; and a package coupled to the laser diode device.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the active region comprises at least six quantum well regions.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein the active region is configured operably for a forward voltage of less than 7V for an output power of 60 mW and greater.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of barrier layers is at least about 2.5 nm in thickness.
 14. The device of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of barrier layers is at least about 1.5 nm to about 2.5 nm in thickness.
 15. The device of claim 10 wherein the {20-21} crystalline surface region is off-cut less than less than +/−8 deg towards a c-plane and/or an a-plane.
 16. The device of claim 10 further comprising an electron blocking region between the active region and the p-type cladding material.
 17. The device of claim 10 wherein one or more of the plurality of barrier layers is made of a material selected from GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or InAlGaN.
 18. The device of claim 10 wherein each of the quantum wells comprises at least InGaN.
 19. The device of claim 10 wherein the p-type impurity characteristic comprising a magnesium species.
 20. A communication device comprising: a laser diode device comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing material including a {20-21} crystalline surface region orientation; an n-type cladding material overlying the gallium and nitrogen containing material an active region comprising at least three quantum wells and a plurality of barrier layers, each of the quantum wells having a thickness of 1 nm and greater, and each of the plurality of barrier layers having a thickness ranging from 1 nm to less than 3 nm, each adjacent pair of the quantum wells separated by one of the plurality of barrier layers; a p-type cladding material overlying the active region, the p-type cladding material being free from AlGaN; a p-type material overlying the p-type cladding material; a laser stripe region overlying the crystalline surface region, the laser stripe region being aligned substantially in a projection of the c-direction, the laser stripe region comprising a first end and a second end; a first facet formed on the first end; and a second facet formed on the second end, wherein the active region is configured operably for a forward voltage of less than 7V for an output power of 60 mW and greater; and a package coupled to the laser diode device. 